WO2008128923A1

WO2008128923A1 - Connecting device for media lines in the region of a wall duct and wall element

Info

Publication number: WO2008128923A1
Application number: PCT/EP2008/054533
Authority: WO
Inventors: Harald Hagen; Martin Lechner
Original assignee: Voss Automotive Gmbh
Priority date: 2007-04-19
Filing date: 2008-04-15
Publication date: 2008-10-30
Also published as: CN103600740A; CN201277384Y; DE112008000804A5; RU2009142606A; BRPI0810137B1; CN101668667B; CN101668667A; BRPI0810137A2; CN103600740B; DE112008000804B4; RU2429149C2; DE202007012400U1

Abstract

The present invention relates to a connecting device (1) for a wall duct, particularly for the sealed arrangement in a lead-through opening (2) of a wall element (4) and for connecting at least two media lines (6). The connecting device (1) comprises a connecting part (8) with a first connecting section (10) that can be lead trough the lead-through opening (2) and a second connecting section (12) with a contact element (14) for the insert-delimiting contact with the wall element (4) and with holding means (16) for locking the connecting part (8) in the mounted position when inserted in the lead-through opening (2). The connecting device (1) comprises detent means (IS) as holding means, which can be lead through the lead-through opening (2) together with the first connecting section (10) such that they engage behind the wall element (4) in a snap-fit manner for locking purposes.

Description

"Connecting device for media lines in the area of a wall duct and wall element"

The present invention firstly relates to a connection device according to the preamble of claim 1 and also to a wall element provided therefor according to the preamble of claim 18.

DE 29 51 395 A1 / C2 describes such a mounting fitting for wall penetrations, wherein a connection part (so-called bulkhead connector) is inserted from one side of the wall to the abutment of a stop flange in an opening of a wall and locked with holding means. The holding means are to be mounted as separate parts on the other side of the wall by plugging on the first connection section, but this can be problematic depending on the installation situation, because of two sides at the same time and therefore may need to be mounted by two people.

The same applies to a feedthrough connector described in DE 42 34 262 A1, in which a spring element is to be mounted by means of a screw nut on the side of the first section guided through the wall opening.

The present invention is based on the object to provide a connection device of the type described, which ensures improved constructive and production engineering design improved performance characteristics.

This is achieved by the features of claim 1 according to the invention. Advantageous design features are contained in the dependent claims.

According to the invention therefore has the connection part as a holding means locking means, in particular at least two elastic latching arms, which are feasible together with the first connection portion through the passage opening, that they engage behind the wall element for locking detent. This is advantageous the assembly by simply inserting from one side of the Wandungselementes possible. There is no need to be mounted holding elements from the other side, because the locking means or latching arms when inserting the wall in the edge region of the lead-through opening against the insertion direction automatically engage behind.

According to one aspect of the invention, the connection part according to the invention and a wall element having at least one passage opening are adapted to one another in such a way that, on the one hand, a securing of the connection part secured in the passage opening is achieved. On the other hand, the connection part can be used in several different Drehausrichtungen in the passage opening. This is particularly advantageous for so-called angle pieces, namely for setting the direction of the respective cable outlet.

Accordingly, the invention also relates to a correspondingly adapted wall element according to claim 18, wherein an advantageous embodiment is defined in the dependent claim 19.

On the basis of illustrated in the drawing, preferred embodiments, the invention, advantageous embodiments and advantages achieved are explained in more detail. Showing:

1 is a perspective view of a wall element in a configuration with a plurality of connecting devices according to the invention, in a view on a back wall,

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a single connection part according to the

Invention in a configuration as a passage connector,

3 is a side view of the connector in the direction of arrow III of FIG. 1 and FIG. 2,

4 shows a detail enlargement of the region IV in FIG. 3, FIG. 5 is an enlarged longitudinal section in the plane VV of FIG. 3 with additional representation of a plug part of a plug connection to the line connection,

6 is an enlarged view as in Fig. 3 in a mounted and unilaterally connected to a line state,

7 shows a perspective view of a further embodiment of the connection part, again as a passage connector,

8 is a front view of the connection part of FIG. 7,

9 is a side view in the direction of arrow IX of FIG. 8,

10 is a rear view in the direction of arrow X of FIG. 9,

11 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the connection part in an embodiment as a test connection,

Fig. 12 is a view of the connector of FIG. 11 from a different perspective and

FIG. 13 is a cutaway view similar to FIG. 11. FIG.

In the various figures of the drawing, like parts and components are always provided with the same reference numerals.

A connection device 1 according to the invention is designed for a preferably sealed arrangement in a passage opening 2 of a wall element 4 (see FIGS. 1 and 6) and is designed for connection to at least two media lines 6, of which only one line 6 is shown in FIG , The wall element 4 is in particular a so-called bulkhead in a vehicle, for example in a truck. The / each media line 6 may be a hose or pipe for any pneumatic or hydraulic flow or pressure media. The connecting device 1 consists of a connecting part 8 (also called Schott plug) with a first, through the through-opening 2 feasible connection portion 10 and a second connection portion 12 with a flange-like contact element 14 for insertion-limiting contact with the wall element 4 in a through-opening 2 enclosing investment area. Furthermore, retaining means for locking the connecting part 8 are provided in its inserted into the passage opening 2 mounting position.

According to the invention, the connecting part 8 as a holding means suitable latching means - in particular in the form of at least two resilient locking arms 16 - which are designed such that they can be passed together with the first connection portion 10 through the passage opening 2 and then the wall element 4 for locking automatically catching behind. For this purpose, the latching arms 16 are connected in one piece in particular integrally with the connection part 8, in an axially spaced from the contact element 14 area, from which they are straight with their free ends against the insertion direction back in the direction of the contact element 14 and thereby - Art Barbs - something obliquely outward extend that they are automatically moved when inserting over the inner edge of the opening opening 2 elastic inwardly until they can be released on the other side of the Wandungselementes 4 and spring back to the outside and thereby with the free ends of the Latching behind opening edge with positive locking.

In an advantageous embodiment securing means are provided for fixing the latching arms 16 against an elastic release movement. This may be separate, not shown in the drawing elements that z. B. each in a radially formed between the connecting part 8 and each locking arm 16 gap can be inserted. In the illustrated, preferred embodiments, the locking arms 16 as securing means at their free ends in each case a groove or groove-like contour 18 for latching cooperation with a peripheral edge 20 of the passage opening 2. Reference is made to FIGS. 3 and 4 and to FIG. 6.

In connection therewith, it is advantageous if prestressing means for generating an axially biasing force F acting opposite to the insertion direction (see FIG. 6) are present such that the connecting part 8 is held axially free of play and the Locking arms 16 are held in contact with the marginal edges 20 of the passage opening 2. Reference is made in particular to FIGS. 5 and 6, according to which a resilient axial seal 22 for sealing engagement in the region between the contact element 14 and the wall element 4 is preferably provided as biasing means. Alternatively or additionally, but also a radial seal is possible, which is arranged so that it cooperates sealingly with the inner region of the passage opening 2, in which case at least one additional axial spring element is provided which as a separate element or integrally connected to the connecting part 8 , Elastic attachment element may be formed (not shown). In principle, however, an additional axial spring element can also be used in the case of an axial seal.

Also advantageous is an embodiment of the connection device 1 for secured against rotation arrangement of the connection part 8 in the passage opening 2 of the wall element 4. For this purpose, on the one hand, the lead-through opening 2 deviates from the circular shape, in particular formed as a regular polygon shape. On the other hand, on the side of the contact element 14 pointing in the direction of the first connection section 10, the connection part 8 has an engagement section 24 with a configuration adapted to the shape of the lead-through opening 2 in that the engagement section 24 can be inserted into the lead-through opening 2 with little play, but not therein is rotatable. In addition, an insertion in different rotational orientations is advantageously possible. This is advantageous for angled cable outlets for setting the direction. In the illustrated embodiment, the passage opening 2 has a regular square shape, d. H. a square shape, so that the connecting part 8 can be used in four different angular orientations offset by 90 °. Alternatively, however, the lead-through opening 2 may also be designed, for example, regularly in a hexagonal or octagonal manner. Preferably, the connecting part 8 in this case has two (only two) diametrically opposed locking arms 16 which are formed with a relatively large width such that the free ends form retaining edges which have almost the same length as the peripheral edges 20 of the passage opening 2 parallel thereto , As a result, a high degree of security against tilting of the connection part 8 within the passage opening 2 is advantageously achieved.

Advantageously, the connecting part 8 consists of at least one molded part made of in particular fiber-reinforced plastic. Especially useful is a one-piece Manufacture as an injection molded part, but the connection part 8 can also be composed of several parts. In addition, a production of the connection part 8 as a multi-component molded part made of different plastics is possible. As a result, in particular, the seal 22 can be integrally formed from an elastic material. In a separate embodiment of the seal 22, this may for example consist of sponge rubber or cellular rubber and have a frame-like, possibly also annular contour.

In the region of each connection section 10, 12, the connection part 8 has at least one line connection 26 in any configuration and orientation. As shown by way of example with reference to the second connection section 12, the line connection 26 may be a mandrel profile 27 for attaching a line 6 (see FIG. 6), wherein a clamping clip 28 may additionally be provided for fixing. The line 6 may be connected (mounted) already prior to assembly of the connection part 8, and the insertion of the connection part 8 into the passage opening 2 can advantageously take place with the line 6 connected.

In the embodiments as a media-through connector according to FIGS. 1 to 10 - see in particular FIG. 5 - is further exemplified the first connection portion 10 as part of a plug-in system, in particular as a receiving sleeve 30 for insertion of a connected to a line connector part 32. Between the individual line terminals 26 may be provided any, one- or multi-dimensional directional offset.

5, the receiving sleeve 30 forms a receiving opening for circumferentially sealed insertion of a plug shank of the plug part 32. In the example shown, the plug shank for circumferential sealing carries at least one sealing ring 34 in an annular groove. The inserted plug part 32 can be locked in a form-locking manner, in particular, by means of retaining means against loosening. For this purpose, a radially elastic retaining element 38 is mounted within the receiving sleeve 30 in an inner annular chamber 36 so that it in the inserted state of the male part 32 proportionally radially inwardly into a plug part 32 and its plug shank existing, in particular annular groove-shaped recess 40 engages. In order to solve the thus positively locked connector part 32 in case of need, is the holding member 38 receiving annular chamber 36 between a step surface 42 of the receiving sleeve 30 and a hollow cylindrical, releasably in the receiving sleeve 30 sitting insert 44 formed. In the example shown, the insert 44 is screwed with an external thread in an internal thread of the connection portion 10; It therefore forms a screw-in or a so-called cap screw. The holding element 38 is preferably designed as a substantially annular retaining clip.

In a lower base region of the receiving opening of the receiving sleeve 30 is preferably a spring element 46, as shown, for example, in the form of a rubber-elastic ring arranged. The inserted plug part 32 comes in the locked position with its free end to rest on the spring element 36, whereby it is acted upon by an axially acting in the release direction force. As a result, the connector is held axially free of play.

Further details of the plug-in system are also described in various publications by the Applicant, see, for example, EP 0 005 865 A2 / B1.

The plug part 32 may have a corresponding mandrel profile 27 for attaching the line for connection to a line.

As already explained, the invention also relates to the wall element 4 with at least one lead-through opening 2. According to the invention, the lead-through opening 2 is configured with respect to its size and shape in such a way that the connection part 8 with its first connection section 10 as well as with the latching arms 16 can be guided through the passage opening 2. As has already been explained, the lead-through opening 2 of the wall element 4 according to the invention has a shape deviating from the circular shape, in particular a regular polygon, such that the engagement section 24 of the connection part 8 can be inserted with little play and secured against rotation in the inserted state , In addition, an insertion in different Drehausrichtungen is possible.

In order to be able to close a passage opening 2 of the wall element 4 if necessary, if no connection device 1 is to be mounted in this passage opening 2, a closure element can advantageously be provided which can be inserted into the passage opening 2 in the manner of a closure plug. In this case, the holder can be made in a manner corresponding to the connector 8 according to the invention via similar latching arms.

The invention leads to a significant cost and weight savings compared to previously known, metallic and bolted connections. The connecting device 1 can be mounted manually in a simple manner by insertion and can also be removed manually or by means of a suitable tool (pliers) by compressing the latching arms 16.

The seal 22 may be glued in the embodiment as a separate part with the connection part 8 and / or held by an undercut. By changing the hardness and / or thickness of the seal 22 is an adaptation to different wall thicknesses possible.

In the preferred embodiment of the connecting part 8 as a plastic molding certain recesses may be provided to prevent accumulation of material and for receiving assembly aids. In addition, a configuration with stiffening ribs 52 (see, for example, FIGS. 2 to 4) can lead to an improvement in impact resistance and stability. For this purpose, reference is also made to the embodiment of FIG. 7 to 10. The first connection section 10 merges via a connection channel section 50 into the second connection section 12. At least in the region of the connecting channel section 50 and in the transition to the first connection section 10, outer stiffening ribs 52 are formed. Preferably, in the diametrically opposite and to the latching arms 16 by about 90 ° offset areas on both sides more, z. B. three stiffening ribs 52 present. A middle rib 52a extends approximately corresponding to the axis of the second connection section 12, and two lateral ribs 52b, 52c extend obliquely thereto, converging at an acute angle, in particular in the direction of the first connection section 10 (see in particular FIGS. 8 and 10). As shown by way of example in Figures 7 and 8, a thickening 52d may be formed in the region of at least one rib (eg of the rib 52a). The stiffening ribs 52 in particular lead to an increased flexural rigidity with respect to elastic relative movements between the connection sections 10, 12 or between the first connection section 10 and the engagement section 24 held in the wall element 4. As far as the embodiment according to FIGS. 11 to 13 is concerned, the connection device 1 or the connection part 8 is designed as a test connection, in particular for pressure measurement. At one of the connection sections, as shown, preferably at the second connection section 12, a pressurized media line 6 can be connected. The other, as shown, preferably the first connection section 10 is designed to connect a measuring line leading to a pressure measuring device. The measuring line and the measuring device are not shown in the drawing. Between the connection sections 10, 12, a check valve 60 is disposed within the connection part 8. Reference is made to FIG. 13. This check valve 60 is - in the manner of a pneumatic tire filling valve - designed so that is not connected to the measuring line connected to the second connection section 12 media line is automatically closed by their pressure in the direction of the connection side 62 for the measuring line, and that by a connection of the measuring line Check valve 60 is automatically opened against the pressure, so that then the pressure passes through the measuring line to the meter.

In an advantageous embodiment of this embodiment, the first connection portion 10 is provided with a protective cap 64 to protect the test port on its connection side 62 from dirt and other influences. Preferably, the protective cap 64 is designed as a screw cap, which can be screwed with an internal thread on an external thread of the connection portion 10. For sealing, a seal 66 is advantageously provided between the protective cap 64 and the connecting part 8. It is also advantageous if this annular seal 66 is integrally connected to the protective cap 64 via a flexible, band or loop-like connecting section 68. As a result, the protective cap 64 is held captive by way of the seal 66 enclosing the connection section 10 and the connection section 68. In order to facilitate a twisting of the protective cap 64 for screwing or unscrewing, a radial projection 70 can be arranged on the side diametrically opposite the connecting section 68. This approach 70 is used together with the connecting portion 68 for manual introduction of a force or torque for screwing. Otherwise, the embodiment according to FIGS. 11 to 13 largely corresponds to the embodiments according to FIGS. 1 to 10. This applies in particular to the mounting of the connection part 8 within the passage opening 2 of the wall element 4.

The invention is not limited to the illustrated and described embodiments, but also includes all the same in the context of the invention embodiments. Thus, the claims are to be understood merely as a formulation attempt for the invention.

Claims

claims

1. Connection device (1) for a wall duct, in particular for the sealed arrangement in a passage opening (2) of a Wandungselementes (4) and for connecting at least two media lines (6), consisting of a connecting part (8) with a first, through the passage opening (2) feasible connection section (10) and a second connection section (12) with a contact element (14) for insertion-limiting contact with the wall element (4) and with retaining means for locking the connection part (8) in its in the through-opening (2) used mounting position , i d therefore, the connection part (8) has latching means as holding means, which can be guided together with the first connection section (10) through the feed-through opening (2) in such a way that they form the wall element (4). latching behind to lock.

2. Connecting device according to claim 1, characterized in that the latching means consist of at least two elastic latching arms (16), which are preferably designed in the manner of barbs that when inserting into and passing through the passage opening (2) moves elastically inwards be and then spring back with their free, opposite to the direction of insertion ends pointing outwards and thereby engage behind the wall element (4) on its the contact element (14) opposite side latching.

3. Connecting device according to claim 1 or 2, g e k e n e n e c h e n e t d u r c h securing means for fixing the locking means (16) against a release movement.

4. Connecting device according to claim 2 and 3, dadu rch GE ke nnzeichn et that the locking arms (16) as securing means at their free ends in each case a groove or groove-like contour (18) for latching interaction with a peripheral edge (20) of the passage opening ( 2).

5. Connecting device according to one of claims 1 to 4, geken nzeich net d u rch biasing means for generating an axially opposite to the insertion direction acting biasing force (F).

6. Connecting device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by an elastic seal (22 for sealing contact in the region between the contact element (14) and the wall element (4), wherein the seal (22) preferably also as a biasing means for generating the biasing force (F) works.

7. Connecting device according to one of claims 1 to 6, geken nzeich net d u rch an embodiment for secured against rotation arrangement of the connection part (8) in the through-opening (2) of the wall element (4).

8. Connecting device according to claim 7, characterized in that the connecting part (8) on the in the direction of the first connection portion (10) facing side of the contact element (14) has an engagement portion (24) in adaptation to, a deviating from the circular shape, in particular Having trained as a regular polygon shape having through opening (2).

9. Connecting device according to one of claims 1 to 8, ad d u r e ke n e ch n et et c et, e s the connection part (8) consists of at least one molded part made of in particular fiber-reinforced plastic.

10. Connecting device according to one of claims 1 to 9, ad d u r c h e ce n e ze i c h n et, d a s s the connection part (8) as a multi-component molded part made of various plastics.

11. Connecting device according to one of claims 1 to 10, dadu rch ge ke nn ze zen et that the connection part (8) in the region of each connection portion (10,12) has at least one line connection (26).

12. Connection device according to claim 11, characterized in that at least one of the line connections (26) is designed as a mandrel (27) for attaching a line (6).

13. Connecting device according to claim 11 or 12, at least one of the line connections (26) as a component of a plug connection, in particular as a receiving sleeve (30) for insertion of a line side plug part (32) is formed.

14. Connecting device according to claim 13, characterized in that within the receiving sleeve (30) in an inner annular chamber (36) a radially elastic retaining element (38) is mounted so that it in the inserted state of the plug part (32) radially in one on the plug part (32) engages existing recess (30).

15. Connection device according to claim 14, characterized in that, for the purpose of releasability of the inserted and latched plug part (32), the annular chamber (36) receiving the holding element (38) is connected between a step surface (42) of the receiving sleeve (30). and a hollow cylindrical, releasably in the receiving sleeve (30) seated insert part (44) is formed.

16. Connecting device according to one of claims 1 to 12, ge ke nnzeichnetdu rc h an embodiment as a test port, in particular for pressure measurement, wherein one of the terminal portions (10) for connecting a measuring line is formed, and wherein between the terminal portions (10, 12) within the Connecting part (8) a check valve (60) is arranged.

17. Connecting device according to one of claims 1 to 16, e e c e e n e c h e n e d u r c h outer stiffening ribs (52) for increasing the stability, in particular for increasing the bending stiffness between the connecting portions (10, 12).

18. Wall element (4) with at least one through-opening (2) for inserting a connection device according to one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that the through-opening (2) is configured with respect to its size and shape in that the connection part (8) can be guided with its first connection section (10) and with the latching means (16) through the passage opening (2).

19. Wall element according to claim 18, characterized in that the lead-through opening (2) has a shape deviating from the circular shape, in particular formed as a regular polygon, such that the engagement section (24) of the connection part (8) can be used with little play and in the inserted state secured against twisting.